Modular system for introducing a stream of processed grain into an ethanol production facility, and associated methods

Abstract

A modular system is provided to introduce a grain containing a commercial enzyme into an ethanol production facility. The modular system comprises a plurality of portable storage units configured to receive a raw grain material. Each storage unit is adapted for transportation between ethanol production facilities. A portable processing unit is in communication with each of the storage units for receiving the grain material therefrom. The processing unit is configured to mix a grain containing a commercial enzyme with a commodity grain so that the enzyme is in effective amounts to sufficiently carry out downstream enzymatic applications. The processing unit is further configured to meter the processed grain material at appropriate admix levels to an ethanol production facility. The processing unit is adapted for transportation between ethanol production facilities. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

1 . A modular system for providing a second stream of plant material into a production facility wherein the second stream of plant material contains a protein to be admixed with a first stream of plant material within the production facility, the modular system comprising:
 one or more portable storage units configured to receive a second stream of plant material containing a protein to be admixed with the first stream of plant material, each storage unit being adapted for transportation between production facilities; and   a portable processing unit adapted for transportation between production facilities in communication with each of the storage units for receiving the second stream of plant material therefrom, the processing unit being configured to   a) receive the second stream of grain material from said one or more portable storage units;   b) deliver said second stream of grain material to a cleaning device then to a reservoir tank;   c) process and meter the cleaned second stream of grain material of b); and   d) deliver said second stream of grain material from c) into a first stream of plant material within the production facility.   
     
     
         2 . A modular system for providing a second stream of grain material into a ethanol production facility wherein the second stream of grain contains a protein to be admixed with a first stream of grain within the ethanol production facility, the modular system comprising:
 one or more portable storage units configured to receive a second stream of grain containing a protein to be admixed with the first stream of grain, each storage unit being adapted for transportation between ethanol production facilities;   a conveyor assembly configured to operably engage each of the storage units so as to from a serial connection therebetween, the conveyor assembly being configured to receive and transport the second stream of grain from each storage unit; and   a portable processing unit adapted for transportation between production facilities in communication with each of the storage units for receiving the second stream of grain material therefrom, the processing unit being configured to   a) receive the second stream of grain material from said one or more portable storage units;   b) deliver said second stream of grain material to a cleaning device then to a reservoir tank;   c) process and meter the cleaned second stream of grain material of b); and   d) deliver said second stream of grain material from c) into a first stream of plant material within the ethanol production facility.   
     
     
         3 . A modular system according to  claim 2 , wherein each portable storage unit comprises a substantially vertical grain silo, the grain silo having an upper portion and a lower portion configured to receive the second stream of grain material, the grain silo having an elevator system configured to transport the raw grain material from the lower portion to the upper portion so as to be received by the conveyor assembly disposed thereabout. 
     
     
         4 . A modular system according to  claim 2 , wherein each portable storage unit is oriented substantially horizontal. 
     
     
         5 . A modular system according to  claim 2 , wherein the conveyor assembly comprises a screw conveyor assembly. 
     
     
         6 . A modular system according to  claim 2 , further comprising a telescopic member configured to facilitate communication between the conveyor assembly and the processing unit, the telescopic member being configured to deliver the grain material from the conveyor assembly to the processing unit. 
     
     
         7 . A modular system according to  claim 2 , wherein the processing unit comprises a milling device for milling the second stream of grain material. 
     
     
         8 . A modular system according to  claim 2 , wherein the processing unit comprises a scalper or screening device. 
     
     
         9 . A modular system according to  claim 2 , wherein the storage units and the processing unit are each configured to be transportable by a respective transport trailer. 
     
     
         10 . A method of providing a second stream of grain material into a ethanol production facility wherein the second stream of grain contains a protein to be admixed with a first stream of grain within the ethanol production facility, the method comprising:
 providing one or more portable storage units at an ethanol production facility, each storage unit being configured to receive a second stream of grain material therein;   transporting the second stream of grain material disposed in the storage units to a portable processing unit adapted for transportation between production facilities in communication with each of the storage units, the processing unit being configured to:   a) receive the second stream of grain material from said one or more portable storage units;   b) deliver said second stream of grain material to a cleaning device then to a reservoir tank;   c) process and meter the cleaned second stream of grain material of b); and   d) deliver said second stream of grain material from c) into a first stream of plant material within the ethanol production facility.   
     
     
         11 . A method of producing ethanol, comprising:
 providing one or more portable storage units at an ethanol production facility, each storage unit being configured to receive a second stream of grain material therein;   transporting the second stream of grain material disposed in the storage units to a portable processing unit adapted for transportation between production facilities in communication with each of the storage units, the processing unit being configured to:   a) receive the second stream of grain material from said one or more portable storage units;   b) deliver said second stream of grain material to a cleaning device then to a reservoir tank;   c) process and meter the cleaned second stream of grain material of b); and   d) deliver said second stream of grain material from c) into a first stream of plant material within the ethanol production facility.